Research Investigator

The School of Public Health's Cannabis Research Center is seeking applications for a full-time Research Investigator (9792PH-Research Professional 6).

The School of Public Health is committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression in our mission and operations. In pursuit of this goal, we consider an applicant's record working with individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds, and experience identifying and eliminating systemic barriers to success in an academic environment. SPH seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our discipline, including those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, and those from LGBTQIA+ communities.

Position Overview

In 2023, the State of Minnesota granted an appropriation for a Cannabis Research Center (CRC) at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health (SPH). This research center presents a significant opportunity to advance understanding of the role cannabis legalization will play in the health, safety and well-being of Minnesotans.

The Research Investigator will work closely with the CRC team to lead mixed-methods cannabis-related research and dissemination of research findings, including writing scientific articles.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Designing & Overseeing Cannabis Research Studies (30%)

• Independently develop ideas for intramural CRC research studies, with an emphasis on qualitative research studies
• Lead team to design and conduct research studies, including determining research questions, determining study design, developing data collection and analysis protocols, obtaining IRB approval, and overseeing data collection/cleaning
• Work independently but conduct research in collaboration with CRC leadership and team members and state and community partners
• Lead project team meetings
• Serve as research study Principal Investigator in Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions
• Ensure integrity, safety and ethics during data collection to ensure all aspects are ethical and data are of highest integrity
• Participate as a co-investigator on other CRC projects

Designing and Conducting Analyses (35%)

• Design and conduct appropriate qualitative and quantitative analyses for multiple research studies
• Prepare CRC staff to assist with qualitative and quantitative analyses, as appropriate

Writing Research Manuscripts and Policy Briefs (25%)

• Serve as lead author on scientific manuscripts related to research projects they are leading
• Serve as a co-author on other CRC scientific manuscripts
• Serve as lead or co-author on policy briefs to communicate research findings to non-scientific audiences

Presentations & Other Dissemination (5%)

• Submit abstracts to and present at cannabis relevant scientific conferences
• Present at community meetings and events
• Write research summaries for social media

Engagement (5%)

• Meet with state and local agencies and organizations to share information about the CRC and cannabis policies and related research
• Seek input from state and local agencies and organizations on research questions, designs, and/or data collection protocols

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters degree with substantial research and publication record
• Significant experience leading research projects, including qualitative data collection and analysis projects
• Must have published in scientific journals and demonstrate the ability to lead development of scientific papers
• Strong writing and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated commitment to antiracism (see the University of Minnesota School of Public Health's Strategic Plan for Antiracism)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of relevant research experience
• PhD in epidemiology or behavioral sciences
• Expertise in mixed-methods research
• Expertise in cannabis and/or other substance use research
• Understanding of public health interventions/policies and evaluation

The School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota is a nationally ranked top 10 institution. Our school offers a superior array of advanced degrees and is home to numerous world-renowned research and training centers. Through excellence in education, research, and community engagement, the University of Minnesota School of Public Health advances health - from scientific discovery to public impact - by enhancing population health and preventing disease in the United States and globally. The school has 21 master's degree programs, 6 minors, over 130 faculty members and 1,256 current students.

Pay Range: $92,000-112,000, dependent upon the selected candidate's relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Time Appointment: 100%

Work Arrangements: The University of Minnesota endorses a "Work. With Flexibility." and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. This position will have a hybrid work option with a preferred 3 days onsite during core business hours. The successful candidate will be provided University-configured equipment and supportive technology tools, however, they are expected to have access to a reliable internet connection for duties undertaken remotely. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview.

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).